CO2 Laser Research Articles (Page 1)

Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease involving the follicular epithelium that significantly impairs quality of life. Treatment varies by stage and includes antibiotics, immunosuppressants, biologics, and surgery for severe tissue damage. Laser therapies like CO2, Nd:YAG and IPL offer non-invasive options. Objective This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of procedural treatment, including IPL, CO2, and Nd: YAG, in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. Methods preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Studies published from 2010 to 2025 were searched in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases using predefined terms. Inclusion criteria comprised English-language studies investigating laser therapies, including IPL, CO2, and Nd: YAG lasers, for hidradenitis suppurativa in comparative and randomized controlled trials. Data extraction covered study characteristics, patient demographics, laser parameters, and treatment outcomes. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB 2) tool. Results Out of 2,833 initially retrieved records, 8 studies involving a total of 181 patients met the inclusion criteria. The studies investigated multiple laser-based interventions: 2 focused on Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), including one study using IPL alone and another combining IPL with Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL); 2 studies examined LAight® therapy (a combination of IPL and radiofrequency), including comparisons with topical clindamycin 0.1%; and 4 studies investigated Nd: YAG laser, including combined protocols with CO₂ laser, benzoyl peroxide, and clindamycin. IPL monotherapy achieved a 67% hidradenitis suppurativa clinical response (HiSCR) rate and reduced median modified severity scores from 8.5 to 4.5 (p = 0.006). LAight® combined with topical clindamycin produced a - 60.0% ± 6.7% reduction in IHS4 versus - 17.8% ± 5.6% with clindamycin alone (p < 0.001), with HiSCR responses of 63% versus 36% at week 16. Nd: YAG laser yielded a mean HS-LASI score decrease of 31.6% after two sessions (p < 0.001) and, in a randomized within-patient trial, a 72.7% ± 13.0% lesion score reduction versus 22.9% ± 38.9% with topical therapy (p < 0.001). Fractional CO₂ + Nd: YAG combination therapy achieved 90% ± 20.5% improvement versus 70.7% ± 23.6% with Nd: YAG alone, with 80% of treated sides rated "clear" on physician global assessment at two weeks (55% maintained at three months). IPL-PDT using NMB gel led to a 77.3% ± 18.9% lesion reduction versus 44.1% ± 28.2% with FMB gel (p < 0.01). Adverse effects-including erythema, mild burns, transient pain, and tenderness-were generally mild and self-limited, with no severe events reported. Conclusion Laser and light-based therapies, including long-pulsed Nd: YAG, fractional CO₂, IPL combined with radiofrequency (LAight®), and photodynamic therapy, offer effective and safe options for managing hidradenitis suppurativa. Hair follicle-targeting lasers, particularly Nd: YAG, show sustained reductions in inflammatory lesions and lower recurrence compared to medical treatments alone. Ablative approaches like fractional CO₂ and IPL-RF complement these effects by improving scarring and accelerating lesion resolution. Photodynamic therapy shows potential but requires further validation in larger controlled trials. Adverse effects are generally mild and transient. Nonetheless, the heterogeneity of current studies and limited follow-up underscore the need for standardized protocols and robust randomized trials. Future research should aim to refine treatment strategies and integrate laser/light modalities with systemic and topical therapies to enhance long-term outcomes and quality of life.

Histopathological examination of the nail matrix is essential for diagnosing longitudinal melanonychia (LM) and distinguishing benign conditions from melanoma. However, traditional biopsy techniques can be invasive, technically complex, and risk permanent nail dystrophy. This study evaluates the feasibility, diagnostic accuracy, and cosmetic outcomes of a minimally invasive CO₂ laser-assisted biopsy technique.We conducted a retrospective case series on patients with single-digit LM who underwent CO₂ laser-assisted nail matrix biopsy at our dermatology department between January 2023 and December 2023. A small square-shaped window was created in the nail plate using a CO₂ laser, avoiding proximal nail fold incisions. A 3-5mm punch biopsy was performed on the distal nail matrix, and the excised nail plate was repositioned as a protective biological dressing. Patients were followed up for healing, complications, and cosmetic outcomes.Ten patients (six females, four males, median age: 39 years) were included. Biopsy samples were sufficient for diagnosis in all cases, identifying melanocytic activation (50%) and matrix nevi (40%), with one inconclusive case. Three patients required reintervention due to previous insufficient biopsy samples or recurrence. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 15 months, with mild postoperative nail changes in 50% of cases, more common in fingernails and reinterventions. No severe nail dystrophy occurred.CO₂ laser-assisted biopsy is a minimally invasive, effective technique for LM diagnosis, preserving nail structure while reducing complications. Larger studies are needed to confirm its long-term benefits over conventional methods.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this literature review is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of various types of lasers used in pulpotomy procedures for primary teeth. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases, with no time limits applied. Keywords included various types of lasers (e.g., diode, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, LLLT, CO2) and terms related to pulpotomy in primary teeth. The search was performed in August 2025. Studies were screened for eligibility based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on clinical trials and studies assessing long-term outcomes of laser pulpotomies. Results: The review included 36 studies, categorized by laser type. Diode lasers were the most commonly used laser and showed high clinical success rates (&gt;85%) with various dressing materials. Nd:YAG lasers demonstrated positive long-term outcomes, while Er:YAG lasers had inconsistent results. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and CO2 lasers also showed high clinical and radiographic success. The studies highlighted the variability in laser specifications and clinical protocols, making direct comparisons challenging. Conclusions: Laser pulpotomy offers a viable alternative to traditional methods, with diode and Nd:YAG lasers showing particularly high success rates. However, the lack of standardized protocols and the variability in study methodologies call for further research to establish clear guidelines for clinical practice.

Background Optimizing acute wound care after resurfacing lasers is essential for healing, downtime, and cosmetic outcomes. Demand for effective topicals has led to use of various products. Objective This study compares the efficacy of silicone-based fluid gel versus white paraffin ointment in managing acute post-resurfacing laser wounds. Methods In this intra-individual, split-face study, 15 patients treated for acne scars applied silicone gel to one facial half and white paraffin to the other. Two blinded dermatologists assessed acute reactions using the VISIA Complexion Analysis system. Patient satisfaction was measured with two tools. Results The silicone-treated side showed greater erythema, pruritus, scaling, and crusting than the paraffin side, though differences were not statistically significant. VISIA demonstrated significantly worse redness, higher porphyrin levels, and greater textural change on the silicone side (p = 0.04), suggesting increased susceptibility to acneiform eruptions. Patient-reported outcomes and physician global assessments revealed no significant difference in overall aesthetic results between sides. Conclusion White paraffin ointment provided comparable or superior management of acute post-resurfacing wounds. Silicone-based gel may elevate porphyrins and potentially predispose to acneiform eruptions, warranting further study.

Upper blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures, with scar quality being a critical determinant of patient satisfaction. This review evaluates various surgical and postoperative strategies to optimize cosmetic outcomes and minimize complications such as wound dehiscence, milia formation, and scarring. Various incision modalities (including cold scalpel, radiofrequency (RF), and CO2 laser) have been evaluated for their impact on surgical precision, hemostasis, and cosmetic results. Comparative studies have shown no significant difference in final scar appearance or aesthetic outcomes between these methods.Multiple studies have compared different suture types in blepharoplasty. Interrupted cutaneous sutures and subcuticular suture demonstrate less early ecchymosis and better short-term scar scores than running techniques. The role of "tension relief" in preventing lateral wound dehiscence has also been emphasized. In terms of suture material, absorbable and non-absorbable sutures yield comparable healing and scarring outcomes, although absorbables may eliminate the need for removal. Topical agents such as silicone-based creams show consistent benefits in reducing hypertrophic scarring.There is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of botulinum toxin and triamcinolone in upper eyelid surgery. Postoperative modalities including cold compresses, compressive dressings, and over-the-counter anti-scar medications show minimal clinical benefit and may be omitted without compromising outcomes. In conclusion, optimal outcomes following upper blepharoplasty depend on meticulous surgical technique, individualized suture selection, effective tension management, and evidence-based postoperative care. The routine use of several widely practiced interventions lacks scientific backing and should be reconsidered in favor of strategies with proven efficacy. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

ABSTRACTObjectiveMastering otosclerosis surgery is challenging, especially in low‐prevalence Asian populations. This study defines the learning curve for a single surgeon's first 100 consecutive CO2 laser‐assisted stapedotomies by analyzing audiometric and complication outcomes. Despite widespread descriptions of laser‐assisted stapes surgery, there is a paucity of data examining the learning process in low‐incidence, low‐volume regions like East Asia. We aim to characterize the unique challenges and surgical adaptations required in such an environment.MethodsA retrospective review of 100 primary stapedotomy cases was performed. The proficiency changepoint was identified using Bayesian and cumulative sum (CUSUM) analyses based on success (postoperative air‐bone gap [ABG] ≤ 10 dB and no significant bone‐conduction deterioration). Audiometric outcomes—including postoperative ABG, achievement of “Negative ABGe” (postoperative air conduction superior to preoperative bone conduction), and change in high‐tone bone conduction—were compared between the pre‐proficiency (cases 1–30) and post‐proficiency (cases 31–100) phases.ResultsA proficiency changepoint was robustly identified at 30 cases. Subsequently, outcomes improved significantly: mean postoperative ABG decreased from 12.1 dB to 5.2 dB (p < 0.001), and the success rate (ABG ≤ 10 dB) increased from 53.3% to 91.4%. The rate of achieving a Negative ABGe surged from 3.3% to 50.0% (p < 0.001). The mean change in high‐tone bone conduction also shifted from −0.3 to +6.1 dB of overclosure (p < 0.001). All major complications occurred within the initial 30 cases.ConclusionFor CO2 laser‐assisted stapedotomy, proficiency significantly improves after approximately 30 cases. This study uniquely highlights how surgical mastery develops under conditions of limited disease prevalence and restricted training exposure. The findings suggest that even in low‐volume environments, structured experience enables not only consistent ABG closure but also meaningful gains in patient‐centered outcomes such as Negative ABGe and cochlear preservation. Our results advocate for simulation‐enhanced education strategies tailored to resource‐constrained surgical contexts.Level of Evidence4.

Lip epidermization is a phenomenon little reported in the literature. Earlier believed to be due to lip hyperkeratosis without associated parakeratosis or cellular atypia, it is now thought to be caused by the presence of ectopic sebaceous glands called Fordyce’s spots. There are currently no guidelines on standard treatment for this condition, and the effects of various treatment modalities on the lip lesions are unknown. We report the clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological findings of a case of lip epidermization and document the response to ablative CO2 laser treatment on the clinical and dermoscopic appearance of lip lesions.

To analyze risk factors for Laryngeal Web (LW) formation following CO2 laser surgery combined with topical photodynamic therapy (T-PDT) in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). This retrospective study analyzed RRP patients treated with CO2 laser surgery combined with T-PDT at a single academic medical center between January 2021 and April 2024. The Cohen grading system was used to assess laryngeal web severity before and after treatment. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was performed to compare pre- and post-treatment adhesion scores. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for LW formation, including gender, surgical age, onset age, HPV genotype, lesion distribution (Derkay score), preoperative LW presence, previous surgical history, bilateral involvement, and preoperative bevacizumab treatment within 1 month. A total of 86 RRP patients received CO2 laser surgery combined with T-PDT treatment. Post-treatment LW occurred in 23.26% (20/86) of patients. No significant difference was observed in Cohen grading distribution between pre- and post-treatment groups (W = 226.5, p = 0.934). Multivariate analysis identified preoperative LW presence (OR = 8.81, p < 0.001) as an independent risk factor for post-treatment LW formation, whereas preoperative bevacizumab treatment was associated with a lower risk of LW formation (OR = 0.16, p = 0.022). CO2 laser surgery combined with T-PDT demonstrated a relatively low incidence of LW formation in RRP treatment. Preoperative LW presence significantly increased the risk of post-treatment LW formation, while preoperative bevacizumab treatment was associated with a lower risk of LW formation.

Combined therapy for LSIL with HR-HPV: CO2 laser and interferon α2a.

CO2 laser cleaning of gum residues on architectural stone and quantitative assessment by hyperspectral imaging

With the laser glass deposition, optical quartz glass fibers with a core-cladding structure are welded on fused silica chips for all-glass on-chip light-guiding systems. However, previous welding experiments resulted in a degradation of the transmission properties of the fibers [F. Spengler, Procedia CRIP, 124, 484 (2024)]. In this work, the beam path of the CO2 laser is modified to improve the transmission of the on-chip welded fibers and to maintain their single-mode properties. Rather than being guided directly onto the fiber from above, the laser beam is directed between the fiber and the substrate. The fiber is continuously placed in the created melt pool of the substrate, which enables a material bond with reduced thermal impact on the fiber core. The influence of process parameters, such as the power density and the wavefront curvature, on the optical transmission properties of welded fibers is systematically analyzed. Compared to previous processes, a 50% reduction in optical transmission losses can be observed. In the same process environment, an innovative laser-based cleaving process is being developed to create cleaves with end facet angles between 0° and 12°, enabling efficient and versatile coupling strategies and precise on-chip integration of discrete optical components through microassembly strategies such as pick and place.

Microablative and non-ablative laser and radiofrequency treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: A randomised controlled trial with four different energies.

Sustainable electrochemical sensor from CO2 laser pyrolyzed green leaves for carbendazim detection

Pediatric idiopathic tracheal stenosis - A scoping review of the literature and case series of an unclassified pathology.

ImportanceSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly infectious virus that has been reported to be transmitted via aerosolization and other aerosol-generating activities. However, viral plumes from CO2 lasers have yet to be investigated.ObjectiveEvaluate the viability of SARS-CoV-2 in the CO2 laser plume in a porcine model for laryngeal surgery.DesignExperimental studies.SettingLaboratory.ParticipantsWild-type SARS-CoV-2 (Wt), Omicron SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron), and fluorescent SARS-CoV-2 (GFP).InterventionThree viral strains on porcine larynx exposed to CO2 laser setting—1.5, 7, and 15 W.Main Outcome MeasuresThe laser plume was collected during ablation. Dilutant of the plume was then applied to Vero E6 cells for culture; quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) (in duplicate) and fluoroscopy were used to establish the presence of viable virus.ResultsWt, Omicron, and GFP strains were found to be present on the larynx before and after the application of the laser by qPCR copies (cp) per microliter (µl). After ablation with 1.5, 7.0, and 15 W with Wt, the plume samples were shown to be 0, 0, and <10 cp/µl, respectively. For GFP, at all intensity levels, the copies were less than 10 cp/µl. Omicron did not show any copies at any of the power levels. Cultures did not show the presence of viable Wt, Omicron, and GFP strains in any of the collected laser plumes.ConclusionThe CO2 laser plume of SARS-CoV-2 aerosolized minimal viral particles. None of the tested experimental conditions demonstrated a viable virus after laryngeal ablation with the CO2 laser.RelevanceCO2 laser use in the context of virus SARS-CoV-2 suggests minimal transmission risks associated with CO2 laser procedures when appropriate safety protocols are followed.

Since direct laser surface texturing of polymers is an emerging area, considerable attention is given to this technique with the aim of forming a basis for follow-up research that could open the way for potential technological ideas and optimization in novel applications. Laser pre-processing of ballistic textiles can raise surface roughness of smooth para-aramid fibres and as a result can improve the adhesion of functional coatings applied in following processing steps, thus opening new possibilities for material performance improvement. The impact resistance of ballistic fabric depends on the ability of its yarns in contact with the projectile absorb energy locally and disperse it to adjacent yarns without undergoing severe damage or failure. In addition to the yarn deformation and fracture, yarn resistance to pull-out contributes to the dissipation of impact energy significantly. The objective of this study is to optimize Kevlar® KM2+ fabric surface topographies by adjusting the continuous wave (CW) CO2 laser parameters in such a way that it increases the surface roughness and resistance to the yarn pull-out from the fabric without destroying the unique structure of the of Kevlar® KM2+ fibres. Experimental research measured data show increase in surface roughness by 50–53% and set of laser parameter variants have been obtained that allow for an increase in KM2+ 440D woven fabric yarns pull out force from fabric in the range from 50% up to 99% compared to the untreated one.

Acne is a common skin condition that often leads to atrophic scars, a major concern for patients. Treatments for these scars include fractional CO2 laser, subcision, and regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid injections. PRP, which concentrates platelets from the patient's blood to release growth factors for enhanced healing, is prepared through centrifugation. Hyaluronic acid products provide hydration and have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant benefits. This study investigates the effectiveness of PRP, non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid, and their combination in treating acne scars, addressing the significant impact of these scars on patients' quality of life. Between 2023 and 2024, a double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 15 patients aged 18 to 65 with atrophic acne scars at a dermatology clinic. Participants were divided into three groups: one group received a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid on one side of the face, while the opposite side received either PRP alone, hyaluronic acid alone, or normal saline as a placebo. Two therapy sessions were held, with evaluations conducted at baseline, one month after the first session, and three months later, using biometric and ultrasound measurements to assess treatment efficacy. Results indicated that while no significant differences were found in colorimetry, tewametry, and corneometry across groups, the PRP group had higher erythema and melanin indices in the third evaluation (three months after the first treatment session) compared to the PRP+non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) group. Conversely, the non-cross-linked HA group demonstrated superior scores in tewametry and melanin index compared to the PRP+HA group. In post-treatment evaluations, both patients and physicians reported higher satisfaction rates for the PRP+HA group compared to the PRP alone or the non-cross-linked HA group, highlighting a preference for the combination treatment. The combination of platelet-rich plasma and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid presents a promising approach for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, demonstrating enhanced satisfaction rates and biometric improvements over individual treatments. Further studies are warranted to solidify these findings and refine treatment protocols. Therapeutic study This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome patients who undergo vaginoplasty are at risk of developing HPV-related lesions throughout their life, from low risk condylomata acuminata (CA) to cancerous lesions. However, the HPV status of neovaginal lesion in this patient group were often undocumented. We reported a case of CA, with HPV type 6 and 18 positive, affecting both the neovagina and vulva in a MRKH patient who underwent vaginoplasty (12 months ago). Additionally, we explore the relationship between HPV infection and neovaginal lesions through a review of current literatures. A 21-year-old MRKH patient after vaginoplasty was diagnosed with condylomata acuminata in the neovagina and vulva and was HPV 6 and 18 positive. The colposcopy biopsy of the condylomata acuminata (CA) lesions in the neovagina confirmed a CA lesion, with positive immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining for low-risk HPV (lrHPV). The vulvar lesions were removed by cryoablation with liquid nitrogen, and the neovaginal lesions were treated with carbon dioxide laser ablation. Post-treatment follow up showed complete resolution of neovaginal and vulvar CA, with complete epithelization of the neovaginal lesions. MRKH patients who undergo vaginoplasty are at risk of developing HPV-related lesions throughout their life. This is the first published case of coinfection with both hrHPV and lrHPV, with lrHPV-related CA in an MRKH patient after Sheares' vaginoplasty. Routine HPV screening, HPV vaccination, and condom use should be indicated in this population.

Background and Objectives: This study reports an adaptive experience of pigmented scar treatment management with different characteristics. It is complicated to define a single solution for all the patients. For this reason, we report a multi-modal approach combining CO2 laser, Q-switched lasers (QSL), and dye laser to adapt to every different patient clinical situation. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled to treat pigmented scars. Twenty patients presented scars with exogenous pigment (such as traumatic tattoos) and 10 with endogenous pigment (hyperpigmentation cases). A combination of CO2 laser, QSL, and dye laser was used. The number of treatment sessions performed for each laser, or their combination was as follow: For keloid scars from tattoo: 1-4 combined treatment sessions with QS and dye lasers; 3-4 combined treatment sessions with dye and CO2 laser;1-4 treatment sessions with QS followed by dye laser; for asphalt traumatic tattoo: 2-3 treatment sessions with QS; for surgical hypertrophic scars: 2-3 combined treatment sessions of QS and CO2 laser; for burn scars (due to asphalt contact) and hyperpigmentation: one treatment session with QS followed by CO2 laser. Six months after the final treatment, the patient's scar improvement was evaluated compared with baseline (T0) using a five-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Results: Regardless of the type of lesion and treatment, the whole population of the study showed satisfactory clinical results. The GAIS mean value was 3.3 ± 0.6. Specifically, 47% of the patients reported good results while 43% had excellent ones. No serious side effects were observed. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a combination of CO2, dye, and Nd:YAG lasers is a feasible strategy for treating scars, reducing the pigmentary, fibrotic, and vascular components.

Purpose: Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) can lead to oromyofascial dysfunction which affects breathing, swallowing, speech, and posture. This study presents the evolution and outcomes of a refined lingual frenuloplasty protocol that integrates individualized myofunctional therapy to address compensatory patterns. Methods: A prospective cohort of 445 patients (≥4 years) was treated between 2021 and 2023 using a fascia-preserving CO2 laser protocol with structured pre- and postoperative myofunctional therapy. Patients were stratified as pediatric (&lt;12 years) or adolescent/adult (≥12 years). Key refinements included fascia-sparing dissection, reduced suture tension with cyanoacrylate adhesive, defined functional endpoints, structured myofunctional therapy, and standardized wound-healing strategies. Results: Among 379 patients (85% response) with &gt;2 months follow-up, the 2025 protocol achieved an 86% satisfaction rate and significantly fewer complications compared with 2019 (pain 3.7% vs. 15.8%; bleeding 1% vs. 13%; revision 2.1% vs. 6.6%). Deeper genioglossus dissection increased swelling risk (OR = 4.0, p &lt; 0.0001) but did not affect satisfaction. Conclusions: The refined 2025 protocol represents an outcome-tracked advancement in ankyloglossia management. By emphasizing fascia preservation, functional diagnostics, and integrated myofunctional therapy, the approach improves safety, efficacy, and patient-centered outcomes.